{"id":244,"date":"2020-10-13T13:23:18","date_gmt":"2020-10-13T13:23:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cctmk.co.uk\/wp\/?page_id=244"},"modified":"2026-03-28T08:08:13","modified_gmt":"2026-03-28T08:08:13","slug":"news-gallery","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cctmk.co.uk\/?page_id=244","title":{"rendered":"News\/Blog"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

MARCHBLOG 3\/26<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have just got back (last week) from a successful first complete recce of the year. It was a little rushed as both Martin and myself had commitments at opposite ends of the week meaning we had four days to do a three day route \u2013 but it takes nearly a day to get down to Devon from Cumbria, so we had some long days. I think it all got done?! And the fabulous weather helped. What didn\u2019t help was the state of some of the roads. We had to do at least two major re-routes as some of the intended \u2018Kirk\u2019 roads were just in too bad a condition to consider sending nice cars down. Mind you, some of the main roads weren\u2019t exactly pristine and I had forgotten about the high hedges and solid banks which frustratingly block out the views. However this only accounted for a small percentage of the route and the rest was on fabulous driving roads in spectacular scenery. I didn\u2019t get many photos because I had forgotten my camera and my phone is an infuriating mystery. Any photos I did take have disappeared into the ether somewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The first two tours of the year are now fully booked but in contrast there has been very little interest in Ireland, so I am considering cancelling, or at least postponing it.  I also have some ongoing health problems so I think it may be wise, or even inevitable, that I will have to have a break some time. I hope to run the Autumn Tour as planned and there are still plenty of places available at the moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Little Devils Tour is almost completely organised already and if I am not fit I can hand it over to the Motor Club to run on the day. Entries open in June via rallies.info.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


September 13th<\/sup><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

LITTLE DEVILS TOUR One day in Eden Valley and Dales<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No accommodation \u00a375 PER CAR<\/p>\n\n\n\n

October 4-8th<\/sup><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

AUTUMN DURHAM DALES TOUR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start Kendal then 3 nights at Headlam Hall. New routes out to Moors, Dales and Pennines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4 nights  2 hotels. \u00a31799 PER CAR<\/p>\n\n\n

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FEBLOG 2\/26<\/strong><\/u><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I actually took the Porsche out the other day, the first time in 2026. Just a short run to keep the battery charged and with the roof up, definitely not topless weather yet. (When I first got the car I did go out one sunny January day with the top down at 5 degrees \u2013 but I am now 6 years older and the novelty has worn off!).<\/p>\n\n\n

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The last time I was out in the Porsche it was Autumn.<\/em>
(Eden Valley \u2013 Little Devils Tour)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are still a couple of places left on the Lakes, Borders, Solway tour but the hotels need to know numbers now. The Devon Coast to Coast is fully booked. If you are definitely interested in any of the other tours please let me know so that I can start organising things, but there is no point booking hotels and planning a recce trip if no one is interested.<\/p>\n\n\n

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May 10-15th<\/sup>
THE LAKES AND BORDERS  AND SOLWAY<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Start Cumbria, one day in Lakes, one day through Borders to Kelso. One day through Borders to S.W. Scotland. Two days around Galloway Forest and Wigtown Penninsula.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 nights, 3 hotels  \u00a32499 PER CAR<\/p>\n\n\n\n

July 5-11th<\/sup>
DUBLIN TO DONEGAL<\/strong>  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cross country route from Dublin to Donegal. Two days around Donegal. Return route to Cavan. Ferry home from Dublin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 nights, 3 hotels and ferry  \u00a32850 PER CAR<\/p>\n\n\n\n

September 13th<\/sup>
LITTLE DEVILS TOUR One day in Eden Valley and Dales.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No accommodation \u00a375 PER CAR<\/p>\n\n\n\n

October 4-8th<\/sup>
AUTUMN DURHAM DALES TOUR<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Start Kendal then 3 nights at Headlam Hall. New routes out to Moors, Dales and Pennines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4 nights  2 hotels. \u00a31799 PER CAR<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BLOG 1\/26<\/strong><\/u><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Happy New Year<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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You never know what is over the next brow?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whilst indulging in the usual Christmas excesses I have been busy trying to sort some problems at the same time. I knew I should have retired, especially as I am now a year older.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We start the year with some major changes to one of the itineraries for 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have had to seriously re-think the LAKES, BORDERS AND SOLWAY routes due to the unavailability of some of the hotels and a major land slide on the intended route!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day one is now considerably different but as we promise in our \u2018small print\u2019, any changes are to a similar standard as routes advertised. There has been a major landslide on Kirkstone Pass which is likely to see the road closed for over 12 months. The authorities say that it is in such a dangerous position that work cannot even start until the spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are ways around the blockage but they are rather convoluted and would take us through \u2018honeypots\u2019 such as Ambleside, which is always a bottleneck at the best of times. Therefore I have decided to avoid the area altogether. However, whilst we won\u2019t be able to drive any of the pass, and follow the whole length of Ullswater, with a little bit of lateral thinking we will still be able to get some spectacular views of the lake and drive the northern shores. However, the whole morning section will be different  and we will head north into the Eden Valley with some interesting \u2018new\u2019 roads affording fantastic views before heading west to the lakes. It does give us the chance to use a new area around Caldbeck and the Bassenthwaite area, with lunch possibly on the Orient Express! It is early days so I can\u2019t confirm this yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second half of the route would then take in Whinlatter Pass and return via the main road to Ullswater before going past Lowther Castle and back into the Eden Valley and Appleby Manor. So, we swap one pass for another and gain an extra lake!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The other main change is that the final three days will now not be at the Cally Palace, they are already fully booked, but instead I have found a secluded sea side hotel, the Balcary Bay Country Hotel. It sounds Irish but is on the Solway Firth and you may be able to see Ireland on a clear day?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The third night, after Appleby, will not now be near Kelso, but near Peebles \u2013 in a castle. This actually doesn\u2019t change the intended route too much but does open up a new area in the Tweed Valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am pleased to say there have been no such problems with the Devon Tour and it is almost fully booked. There are places on all other tours but I will need to know soon if you intend booking the Lakes\/Borders\/Solway as the new hotels want details A.S.A.P.<\/p>\n\n\n

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As yet I have no plans to replace the Escort and instead hope to get the Alpine going again for its 60th<\/sup> birthday in 2027.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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DECEMBER  BLOG<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Merry Christmas
And
A Happy New Year<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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To all Customers and Friends Old and New and Future.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I know, I know, it is a bit early, but I never managed a \u2018blog\u2019 in November so I thought I had better do something now to re-assure you all that I am still planning to go ahead with the proposed 2026 Calendar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There wasn\u2019t much to report in November and besides, I couldn\u2019t use the computer for a while as I have just had my other cataract done, and it took a while to settle down, and when it did I had my year end returns to do. I am pleased to say everything seems OK now and I am typing this without any glasses (spectacles \u2013 not beer that is!) Still not a lot to report but the full itineraries and prices should be on the website for Christmas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2026 <\/u><\/strong> <\/strong>SUBJECT TO HOTEL AVAILABILITY<\/p>\n\n\n\n

April 12-15th<\/sup> THE (DEVON) COAST TO COAST  <\/strong> 
As planned this year but with an extra day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4 nights, 2 hotels.  \u00a31599<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

May 10-15th<\/sup><\/strong> THE LAKES AND BORDERS  AND SOLWAY<\/strong>
Start Appleby Manor.
DAY ONE <\/strong>Around North Lakes and Eden Valley. Back to Appleby.
DAY TWO<\/strong> Leave Appleby, head north via Hartside Pass and some new roads leading to Hadrians Wall. Through the edge of Kielder Forest into some more new roads in the Borders. Overnight near Kelso.
DAY THREE<\/strong>  West from Kelso through spectacular scenery to the Talla Reservoir and Moffat and then down Dalvine Pass to Drumlanrigg Castle. Cross country to Gatehouse of Fleet for 3 nights.
DAY THREE<\/strong>  Loop south to Mull of Galloway and back to Gatehouse of Fleet.
DAY FOUR<\/strong> Big loop north around Glentrool Forest and return via Clatteringshaws Loch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 nights, 3 hotels \u00a32499<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

July 5-11th<\/sup> DUBLIN TO DONEGAL   <\/strong>
A shortened version of last time with some new hotels for start and finish. Possibly reversed*
DAY ONE<\/strong> Morning Ferry from Holyhead. Arrive Dublin mid afternoon, 75 mile run north to Cavan for first hotel.
DAY TWO<\/strong>  Cross country via Sligo to Donegal for 2 nights.*
DAY THREE<\/strong>  Loop around west Donegal.*
DAY FOUR<\/strong> As last time, north to Rosapenna Bay, north Donegal.*
DAY FIVE<\/strong>  Loop around north Donegal, back to same hotel.
DAY SIX<\/strong>   Return south to Cavan.
DAY SEVEN<\/strong>  Ferry home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 nights. 3 hotels + ferry. \u00a32850<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

September 13th<\/sup> LITTLE DEVILS TOUR <\/strong>
One day in Eden Valley and Dales.
\u00a375 No Accommodation.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

October 4-8th<\/sup> AUTUMN DURHAM DALES TOUR<\/strong>
Start Kendal then 3 nights at Headlam Hall. New routes out to Moors, Dales and Pennines.
4 nights  2 hotels.  \u00a31799<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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OCTOBER BLOG<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The one and only tour of 2025 went off remarkably well. The weather was generally kind to us especially on the first day over the North York Moors. It was so clear you could actually see the North Sea from the top of the moor. The following two days weren\u2019t quite so sunny but the visibility was still good. The new lunch stop at the Nook near Alston worked well and as ever Langley Castle was a real feast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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It was good to see all the \u2018old faces\u2019 again and everyone seemed in good spirits, some people said they had hardly been out all year so had been looking forward to the Autumn Tour for some time. It was especially nice to see Helen when she made a \u2018surprise\u2019 visit to Aldwark Hotel to have dinner with us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I survived the 3 days without any real (medical) problems and even did all the driving even though I had put Chip on the Porsche insurance just in case. I suppose therefore I have no excuse for not getting on with sorting out the 2026 calendar. At   the moment I am still working on the ideas proposed last month but one thing became obvious last week. I am going to have to do another tour based on Headlam Hall. The hotel itself is very popular but there is a huge area close by which offers a lot of different route choices. Therefore I have revised plans for 2026 a little.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I may change some of the hotels planned for 2026 tours after giving it some more thought. The Coast to Coast Tour actually started in Dorset last time and was a long run out to Exmoor, therefore I hope to find a new start hotel actually in Devon so as to reduce that daily mileage. I am also looking at various options around Kendal as the Villa is now closed and Crooklands is just so busy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The above applies to \u2018The Little Devils Tour\u2019 which I organise for Kirkby Lonsdale Motor Club. This year I used my local, The Station Inn as a base, and the event worked really well, some hardened rally fans even commenting it was the best tour they had done all year! (They didn\u2019t actually say how many tours they had done?).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However I did feel that the Station was a little cramped at the finish. It was rather a \u2018catch 22\u2019 situation. If it was a wet day then there would be fewer normal \u2018punters\u2019 so more room for us, but if it was a fine day there would be more room outside \u2013 but more \u2018punters\u2019. As it happened it threatened rain all day but was fine for 90% of the route, the downpour only starting in the Lune Gorge on the way back to the finish. Our poor marshal directing the parking at the finish couldn\u2019t get his pint drunk because as fast as he took a mouthful the rain filled his glass up again!     <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I\u2019m not really missing my RS. But that is nice.<\/em>
Little Devils Tour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2026 <\/u> <\/strong>
SUBJECT TO HOTEL AVAILABILITY
April 12-15th<\/sup><\/strong>
THE (DEVON) COAST TO COAST   
As planned this year but with an extra day on Dartmoor. 4 nights, 2 hotels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

May 10-15th<\/sup><\/strong>
THE LAKES AND BORDERS  AND SOLWAY
Start Appleby Manor.
DAY ONE Around North Lakes and Eden Valley. Back to Appleby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DAY TWO Leave Appleby, head north via Hartside Pass and some new roads leading to Hadrians Wall. Through the edge of Kielder Forest into some more new roads in the Borders. Overnight near Kelso.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DAY THREE  West from Kelso through spectacular scenery to the Talla Reservoir and Moffat and then down Dalvine Pass to Drumlanrigg Castle. Cross country to Gatehouse of Fleet for 3 nights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DAY THREE  Loop south to Mull of Galloway and back to Gatehouse of Fleet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DAY FOUR Big loop north around Glentrool Forest and return via Clatteringshaws Loch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 nights, 3 hotels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

July 5-11th<\/sup><\/strong>
DUBLIN TO DONEGAL  
A shortened version of last time with some new hotels for start and finish. Possibly reversed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DAY ONE Morning Ferry from Holyhead. Arrive Dublin mid afternoon, 75 mile run north to Cavan for first hotel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DAY TWO  Cross country via Sligo to Donegal for 2 nights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DAY THREE  Loop around west Donegal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DAY FOUR As last time, north to Rosapenna Bay, north Donegal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DAY FIVE  Loop around north Donegal, back to same hotel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DAY SIX   Return south to Cavan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DAY SEVEN  Ferry home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 nights. 3 hotels + ferry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

September 13th<\/sup><\/strong>
LITTLE DEVILS TOUR One day in Eden Valley and Dales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

October 4-8th<\/sup><\/strong>
AUTUMN DURHAM DALES TOUR<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start Kendal then 3 nights at Headlam Hall. New routes out to Moors, Dales and Pennines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4 nights  2 hotels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PRICES TO FOLLOW<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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SEPT BLOG<\/u><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Nothing to report in August \u2013 I am much the same, the car situation is much the same \u2013 or was! I think I have just sold the Escort RS. I decided sometime ago I probably wasn\u2019t going to do much more competitive rallying and the Escort isn\u2019t a nice car for touring, so I thought it should go to a good home. I will probably buy something else with the money and had my eye on a nice Cayman S, but with my recent experience with Porsches do I really need another one? Mind you I will have the garage space\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the moment I am busy with the Kirkby Lonsdale Motor Club\u2019s Little Devils Tour, which I am pleased to say has attracted 40 entries, and most of them \u2018classics\u2019. Everything from a Morris 8 and a Singer Le Mans, quite a few minis, to modern Porsches. All we want now is the weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After that it is the Dales to Durham Tour which also has a full entry. Then I will start firming up things for 2026. At the moment I am still planning to go ahead with the provisional calendar advertised last month. (below). I may add an extra Autumn Tour as I already have a plan for the 2026 Little Devils which would work well with an extra day in the Lakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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NO PLANS TO REPLACE \u2018OLD FAITHFUL\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2026<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

April\/May<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

THE (DEVON) COAST TO COAST    As planned this year but with an extra day on Dartmoor. 4 nights, 2 hotels. (Actually it starts in Dorset!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

May\/June<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

THE LAKES AND BORDERS  AND DURHAM<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As planned for this year but with some different hotels (as the VILLA has gone, maybe using Appleby Manor as a base?). And an extra day to finish at Headlam Hall. e.g.
Start Appleby Manor.
DAY ONE Around North Lakes and Eden Valley.
DAY TWO Leave Appleby, head north via Hartside Pass and some new roads leading to Hadrians Wall. Through the edge of Kielder Forest into some more new roads in the Borders. Overnight near Kelso.
DAY THREE  West from Kelso through spectacular scenery to the Talla Reservoir and return via Peebles and Sott\u2019s View to Kelso.
DAY FOUR  South through more new roads in the Borders around the Cheviot Hills and down into Durham to finish at Headlam Hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5 nights, 3 hotels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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PERFECT WEATHER, PERFECT ROADS, PERFECT SCENERY  =  CCT(MK)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

July\/August<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

DUBLIN TO DONEGAL   A shortened version of last time with some new hotels for start and finish.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

DAY ONE Morning Ferry from Holyhead. Arrive Dublin mid afternoon, 75 mile run north to Cavan for first hotel.
DAY TWO  Cross country via Sligo to Donegal for 2 nights.
DAY THREE  Loop around west Donegal.
DAY FOUR As last time, north to Rosapenna Bay, north Donegal.
DAY FIVE  Loop around north Donegal, back to same hotel.
DAY SIX   Return south to Cavan.
DAY SEVEN  Ferry home.
6 nights. 3 hotels + ferry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

September<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

SOLWAY SOUTH WEST<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Three days in South West Scotland. Lochs, Castles and Coastline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

START   Powfoot hotel, head north towards Moffat and then down Dalvine Pass to Drumlanrigg Castle. Cross country to Gatehouse of Fleet for 3 nights.
DAY TWO  Loop south to Mull of Galloway and back to Gatehouse of Fleet.
DAY THREE Big loop north around Glentrool Forest and return via Clatteringshaws Loch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4 nights, 2 hotels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exact prices and dates to be confirmed. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2027? ARDENNES AND EIFEL    I have done 90% of the recce so I might as well use it sometime.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Watch this space —-MIKE<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PS<\/strong> In the hopefully unlikely circumstances that I am not fit to run this years Autumn Tour, everything is already organised and I am sure my trusty deputies, Mal and Chip, would be able to take over in my absence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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JULY (just) BLOG<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

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\u2018Old Blue\u2019 still working hard on the recces.<\/em><\/p>\n

Not a lot to report at the moment. As you can see from the photo I have been out and about looking at things for next year. I am surprised and pleased to say I have found some totally new roads with fantastic views, especially in the Borders area. Unfortunately I lost my camera for a while and then the sun went in, so I haven\u2019t got many good photographs \u2013 therefore you will just have to come and do the tour to see what I mean.<\/p>\n

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Apart from the Dublin to Donegal Tour, I think the Lakes, Borders and Durham Tour will be the major event for 2026. It is almost completely recce-ed now. Cancelling things this year has given me a lot more time to plan things for the future. As you will deduce from above, I have decided to postpone the Ardennes-Eifel Tour yet again, in favour of Ireland. This is because I can use a lot of the previous Donegal tour in a much shortened route, hopefully only involving three different hotels, so this makes my life a lot easier. The Ardennes would require twice as many hotels and a lot more work at a time when I am not fully fit.<\/p>\n

Health wise I still have good and bad days and I am still waiting for hopefully a final scan and consultation next month. At the moment all my treatment is finished and I am waiting for the results. As for the car situation\u2026 the Porsche is in a worse state than me! It went into the garage over a month ago for a service, M.O.T. and the roof to be looked at. Unfortunately it failed its M.O.T. and has continually been put to the back of the list for work in favour of\u00a0 \u2018more important things\u2019 (the garage\u2019s words not mine!). Hopefully it will be back on the road in the next couple of weeks, having missed all the sunshine. I have even thought of buying something else to be going on with. The Escort isn\u2019t really ideal for touring and I think my competition days are probably<\/em> over so it is rather a waste sitting in the garage, albeit appreciating in value all the time. Hmmm, decisions, decisions.<\/p>\n

In the meantime I am doing a few tours with Mal Capstick in his Mitsubishi Starion.<\/p>\n

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2026<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

April\/May<\/strong><\/p>\n

THE (DEVON) COAST TO COAST\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 As planned this year but with an extra day on Dartmoor. 4 nights, 2 hotels. (Actually it starts in Dorset!)<\/p>\n

May\/June<\/strong><\/h3>\n

THE LAKES AND BORDERS\u00a0 AND DURHAM<\/h3>\n

As planned for this year but with some different hotels (as the VILLA has gone, maybe using Appleby Manor as a base?). And an extra day to finish at Headlam Hall. e.g.<\/p>\n

Start Appleby Manor.<\/p>\n

DAY ONE Around North Lakes and Eden Valley.<\/p>\n

DAY TWO Leave Appleby, head north via Hartside Pass and some new roads leading to Hadrians Wall. Through the edge of Kielder Forest into some more new roads in the Borders. Overnight near Kelso.<\/p>\n

DAY THREE\u00a0 West from Kelso through spectacular scenery to the Talla Reservoir and return via Peebles and Sott\u2019s View to Kelso.<\/p>\n

DAY FOUR\u00a0 South through more new roads in the Borders around the Cheviot Hills and down into Durham to finish at Headlam Hall.<\/p>\n

5 nights, 3 hotels<\/p>\n

July\/August<\/strong><\/h3>\n

DUBLIN TO DONEGAL\u00a0\u00a0<\/h3>\n

A shortened version of last time with some new hotels for start and finish.<\/p>\n

DAY ONE Morning Ferry from Holyhead. Arrive Dublin mid afternoon, 75 mile run north to Cavan for first hotel.<\/p>\n

DAY TWO\u00a0 Cross country via Sligo to Donegal for 2 nights.<\/p>\n

DAY THREE\u00a0 Loop around west Donegal.<\/p>\n

DAY FOUR As last time, north to Rosapenna Bay, north Donegal.<\/p>\n

DAY FIVE\u00a0 Loop around north Donegal, back to same hotel.<\/p>\n

DAY SIX\u00a0\u00a0 Return south to Cavan.<\/p>\n

DAY SEVEN\u00a0 Ferry home.<\/p>\n

6 nights. 3 hotels + ferry.<\/p>\n

September<\/strong><\/h3>\n

SOLWAY SOUTH WEST<\/h3>\n

Three days in South West Scotland. Lochs, Castles and Coastline.<\/p>\n

START\u00a0\u00a0 Powfoot hotel, head north towards Moffat and then down Dalvine Pass to Drumlanrigg Castle. Cross country to Gatehouse of Fleet for 3 nights.<\/p>\n

DAY TWO\u00a0 Loop south to Mull of Galloway and back to Gatehouse of Fleet.<\/p>\n

DAY THREE Big loop north around Glentrool Forest and return via Clatteringshaws Loch.<\/p>\n

4 nights, 2 hotels<\/p>\n

Exact prices and dates to be confirmed.\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

2027? ARDENNES AND EIFEL\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I have done 90% of the recce so I might as well use it sometime.<\/p>\n

Watch this space —-MIKE<\/p>\n

PS<\/strong> In the hopefully unlikely circumstances that I am not fit to run this years Autumn Tour, everything is already organised and I am sure my trusty deputies, Mal and Chip, would be able to take over in my absence.<\/em><\/p>\n

JUNE BLOG<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Still looking for that pot of gold?<\/em><\/p>\n

I am still not 100% back to full health but doing OK. To such an extent I have been getting bored, with the Porsche off the road (long story), and with a downturn in the weather, I have been filling the time by typing up the Road Book for the Ardennes and Eifel Tour.<\/p>\n

We recce-ed 90% of the route last year so rather than let my notes go to waste I thought I would do something with them while I could still decipher them!, and maybe get it off the ground in 2026. \u00a0(I first mentioned this tour in 2020!) One thing has become obvious though. It is going to be a major undertaking even with the work already done, and will need another recce to fill in some of the gaps. Also studying the maps I have found one or two more interesting roads. Also our overnight stay in the Eifel region, at Daun, is less than 20 miles from the Nurburgring \u2013 so it would be rude not to, wouldn\u2019t it. This would probably mean an extra night at Daun but with the opportunity to explore some nice scenery and roads nearby.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

As this would take up a lot of my time, and with regard to the stress levels while I am not perfectly fit, I am not sure if two major events in one year is a good idea. So I am deliberating which is best to do in 2026, Ireland or Eifel. Answers on a post card — or e-mail.<\/p>\n

However, I have decided I could fit in another relatively local event without much hassle, so I am looking at the SOLWAY-SOUTH WEST again. It is a few years since we have been in that area and I thinks there is plenty of scope for a\u00a0 good tour, starting at the POWFOOT HOTEL on the Solway Coast, where we have finished the Scottish Tour in the past, and then 3 nights at the magnificent \u2018CALLY PALACE\u2019, where we have also been before.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u00a0The 2025 Durham Dales Tour is now fully booked and as we will have done this area two or three times perhaps the above idea would work for an Autumn 2026 tour.<\/p>\n

I still need to sort out some dates before I publish a 2026 calendar, but it is something to be going on with.<\/p>\n

In the meantime there is THE LITTLE DEVILS TOUR on September 14th<\/sup> 2025 which I have organised for Kirkby Lonsdale Motor Club. To make life easy for myself it is based at the STATION INN where limited accommodation is available. This is not technically my event and entries are being taken by Kirkby Lonsdale Motor Club on line by clicking here.<\/a><\/p>\n

2026<\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n

THE (DEVON) COAST TO COAST\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 As planned this year but with an extra day on Dartmoor<\/h4>\n

THE LAKES AND BORDERS\u00a0 As planned for this year but with some different hotels (as the VILLA has gone, maybe using Appleby Manor as a base?).<\/h4>\n

SOLWAY SOUTH WEST\u00a0 \u00a0Three days in South West Scotland. Lochs, Castles and Coastline.<\/h4>\n

ARDENNES AND EIFEL\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I have done 90% of the recce so I might as well use it.<\/h4>\n

OR<\/em><\/h4>\n

\u00a0DUBLIN TO DONEGAL\u00a0\u00a0 A reverse run of the last version with some new hotels for start and finish.<\/h4>\n

Watch this space —-MIKE<\/em><\/h4>\n

\u00a0<\/h2>\n

MAY BLOG 2025<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Pheonix has arisen from the ashes \u2013 a bit singed and battered but optimistic of at least an Autumn Tour<\/strong><\/h3>\n

I have completed my radio therapy treatment and feeling a lot better, although I still have \u2018off moments\u2019 which I have been told could last for upto 8 weeks. That should see me back in action for the proposed AUTUMN DALES TOUR in October. The full itinerary will be on the website shortly.. I would like confirmation of bookings as soon as possible as although I made provisional enquiries at the hotels some time ago they will need firm numbers soon.<\/p>\n

The tour is based on last years similar tour which was shrouded in fog for 2 days, so there is chance to see what you missed then. The main difference is the new starting point at the Aldwark Manor Hotel near York. I had already decided on this as the first day from Kendal last year was blessed with glorious weather so that route was seen at its best, so we can do a new route including THE NORTH YORKS MOORS.\u00a0 However, as it turns out I couldn\u2019t do the same as last year as THE VILLA HOTEL has gone out of business! (Perhaps I just didn\u2019t do enough tours to keep them going \u2013 but a bit sad.)<\/p>\n

In the meantime there is also THE LITTLE DEVILS TOUR on September 14th<\/sup> 2025<\/strong> which I have almost completed organising for Kirkby Lonsdale Motor Club. To make life easy for myself it is based at the STATION INN where limited accommodation is available. (I may incorporate this into a longer event next year)<\/p>\n

2026<\/u><\/strong> Hmm,<\/h3>\n

I have been thinking of a few ideas for new or revamped tours, BUT, I am not sure yet whether I can be bothered with all the hassle of organisng hotels etc. Whilst I am already getting bored with retirement I am not sure I want the stress anymore \u2013 it never got easier as years went on. (There might be a job for a very poorly paid P.A. there?) BUT\u2026\u2026\u2026.. If I do carry on, how does this sound;<\/p>\n

THE (DEVON) COAST TO COAST\u00a0\u00a0<\/h3>\n

As planned this year but with perhaps an extra day on Dartmoor<\/p>\n

THE LAKES AND BORDERS\u00a0<\/h3>\n

As planned for this year but with some different hotels (as the VILLA has gone).<\/p>\n

DUBLIN TO DONEGAL\u00a0\u00a0<\/h3>\n

A reverse run of the last version with some new hotels for start and finish.<\/p>\n

ARDENNES AND EIFEL\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/h3>\n

I have done 90% of the recce so I might as well use it.<\/p>\n

Watch this space —-MIKE<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Nothing really to report at the moment, more news in the new year, hopefully<\/h4>\n

NOVEMBER BLOG<\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n

<\/u>Ah well! Here we go again. Having had time to reflect on things I realised I would be bored if I retired altogether so I have put a 2025 calendar together and I am now taking bookings!<\/u> The calendar perhaps isn\u2019t as adventurous as some years, except for Germany, which has been in the pipeline for sometime, but I am trying to make life easier for myself. Therefore some itineraries may look familiar but you can rest assured that I still work on the Morecambe and Wise principal. i.e. some of the routes may look the same but are not necessarily in the same order! There are some completely new innovations though, and some new hotels to keep things interesting. Where possible I have tried to keep the number of different hotels down to a minimum. This makes my life easier as dealing with multiple hotels on one tour is extremely stressful as I found out on the Scottish Tour this year. This is nothing new, but this year I found the hotel staff were — difficult, to put it tactfully. Of course I am getting older and less tolerant which may have something to do with it.<\/p>\n